Government is investing $6.4 million to reduce class sizes as part of the 2016/17 budget. The investment includes $4.7 million that will cover Grades 5 and 6.

“This investment is part of government’s commitment to provide smaller class sizes for our students and teachers,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Investments like this will empower the next generation and help spark their creativity – that’s how we build a stronger Nova Scotia.”

Currently class sizes for Grades Primary to 2 are capped at 20 students and Grades 3 and 4 are capped at 25. Grades 5 and 6 will now be capped at 25. The latest investment completes capping class sizes for all elementary grades and is expected to create about 88 teaching positions across the province in the upcoming year.

Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for Education, launched in 2015, is focused on smaller class sizes, improving literacy and math skills, and ensuring Nova Scotia children are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Keeping class sizes small and focusing on math and literacy are part of the plan to build a stronger education system,” said Karen Casey, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We will continue to invest in our youth and make changes that will benefit our students, teachers, school staff and families.”

For more information about the 2016-2017 provincial budget, visit www.novascotia.ca/budget .

Source: Release